Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations (CFSO)

The Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations (CFSO) is a collective voice for forensic science professionals, advocating for policies, funding, and legislation that support the advancement of forensic science. CFSO represents multiple forensic science organizations, working together to address challenges, promote best practices, and ensure the integrity and reliability of forensic science in the justice system.

CFSO Member Organizations

  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
  • American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD)
  • International Association for Identification (IAI)
  • International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners (IACME)
  • National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME)
  • Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT)

As a member organization of CFSO, the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) provides expertise in forensic toxicology, contributing to advocacy efforts that impact the field. Marc LeBeau, PhD, represents SOFT within CFSO, ensuring that the interests of forensic toxicologists are considered in policy discussions and legislative initiatives. Through CFSO, SOFT members benefit from national-level advocacy and support for the forensic toxicology profession.

CFSO Resources

CFSO Newsletter

Attestation Letter and White Paper

These documents discuss concerns regarding a new rule issued by Health and Human Services (HHS) that requires medical examiners and coroners (MECs) to sign an attestation for access to protected health information related to reproductive health care. This requirement has led to unintended consequences that hinder medicolegal death investigations across the U.S.

Key points from both documents are as follows:

  • The new rule requires MECs to sign an attestation form stating that the use or disclosure of medical records is not for prohibited purposes, such as investigating individuals for seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating lawful reproductive health care.
  • The attestation requirement is seen as unnecessary because there is already a standard HIPAA exemption for disclosing medical records to MECs, with penalties for improper release of protected health information.
  • The new rule has caused confusion among healthcare providers, resulting in loss of timely access to medical records in some jurisdictions, which is crucial for MECs to perform proper death investigations.
  • Delays in obtaining medical records impede the ability of MECs to fulfill their duties, such as facilitating organ donation, making identifications, obtaining next-of-kin contact information, investigating homicides, and assessing public health risks. For instance, delays can cause organ donor teams to miss the window for transplantation and delay funeral arrangements and insurance benefits for families.
  • Hospitals are blocking MECs’ access to electronic health records and requiring a completed attestation for every death investigation, which burdens the already overworked and understaffed MEC profession and medical records departments.
  • The documents request further guidance/clarification from HHS, suggesting that MECs should still be entitled to these records and that a single attestation per year per hospital should suffice. The model HHS form includes wording for a “class of individuals”.

Attestation Letter

Attestation White Paper